The U.S. could fall short of physician demand by more than 133,000 doctors

A report from the Association of American Medical Colleges further underscores the projected physician shortage in the U.S. There could be anywhere from 54,000-139,000 fewer doctors in the U.S. by 2033, according to the report, which also predicts a primary care physician shortage of up to 55,200. Medical specialties, including surgical specialties, could also experience a deficit of more than 86,000 physicians in the next 13 years. If communities that currently have trouble accessing medical care are able to gain access at equal rates as more privileged communities, physician demand could increase by an additional 145,500. An aging workforce continues to be the primary driver for the shortfall, the report suggests, as more than 40% of current physicians will be 65 or older within the next decade.